RNC rejects tough sanctions on primary calendar

RNC rejects tough sanctions on primary calendar

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — The Republican National Committee has rejected a plan to impose tougher sanctions on states that jump ahead in the presidential primary calendar.

The measure would have stripped VIP passes and desirable hotel accommodations from states like Arizona and Florida, which are considering late January primary elections. That’s a violation of RNC rules, and some Republicans say it could cause chaos.

But the RNC Rules Committee voted today to postpone action on new sanctions until next year.

Republicans from states like New Hampshire and South Carolina called out Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer by name today, pushing her state to wait its turn. Any significant change, they say, could force their states to move primaries to December or January.

Arizona Republicans say an earlier primary would highlight issues important to Western voters.